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Comedy

London,

Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea

Description: The multiple award-winning show by 1927 Theatre. A theatrical cabaret recreating 1920s Berlin using a surreal mix of storytelling, live music, film vignettes and animation. Starring Suzanne Andrade, Esme Appleton and Lillian Henley.



Rating: 4 out of 5 Bruce Dessau's rating
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

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Dir: Suzanne Andrade.

Cast: 1927 Theatre, Suzanne Andrade, Esme Appleton, Lillian Henley

Battersea Arts Centre Lavender Hill, SW11 5TN

Phone: 0207223 2223

Website: www.bac.org.uk

Extra info: Pub, Food

Transport: BR: Clapham Junction Overground network

Wicked twist to tales from 1927 company

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Pinch of gothic: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

By Bruce Dessau
6 Jan 2009


Take a pinch of gothic, add cabaret, dancing and animation and the result is more than a little bit ingenious. Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, by young theatre company 1927, avoids neat boxes and succeeds by being hugely entertaining. 

Real actors have interacted with pre-recorded footage before but it has rarely been done so well. Suzanne Andrade and Esme Appleton deliver 10 short, sharp sketches accompanied by pianist Lillian Henley and animator Paul Barritt’s monochrome images. 

Each piece is a cautionary tale for adults, delving into life’s dark side. The horror of being a neglected child, for instance, or in one memorable vignette, the dangers lurking deep in the woods. The clipped tones and wicked wit evoke thoughts of Hilaire Belloc directed by Tim Burton.

This is a show where cats die nine increasingly grisly deaths and sinister gingerbread men do battle as proceedings build to a winning crescendo. One warning: anyone who dislikes audience participation should avoid eye contact with the performers during one skit, otherwise they may be invited to go for a walk in those creepy woods. 
Until 10 January (020 7223 2223, www.bac.org.uk).

Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.

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